07 April 2008 - £1.6mllion fund for events launched by Culture Minister

Speaking today at the FIM SPEA Trial World Championships, the Minister said: “I am pleased to launch two funding streams; the Events Growth Fund (EGF) and the Major Events Fund (MEF). Ultimately, the aim of these funds is to attract world class events to the region and to highlight the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer.

“The Events Growth Fund is aimed at smaller events which will impact on local communities and help build confidence and pride, as well as attracting visitors to the area. The Major Events Fund is aimed at big events which will attract tourists, investors, international media coverage and will have a major economic impact on Northern Ireland.

“It is my hope that the funds will encourage people across Northern Ireland to be ambitious and to run events to rival the biggest in the world. Northern Ireland has a proven track record of delivering international events such as Rally Ireland, North West 200 and the Walker Cup and we have the enthusiasm and ability to do much more.

“Northern Ireland has a wonderful product; we have a welcoming atmosphere, beautiful scenery and the commitment and passion to show the world that Northern Ireland means business.”

Funding for events is currently managed by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. DCAL is now seeking applications for funding for 2008-2009 under two funding streams; the Events Growth Fund (EGF) and the Major Events Fund (MEF).

The Events Growth Fund is for small events which could 'grow' into large scale events. Projects funded under this stream should have the potential to grow or develop into a major/international event, provide a stepping stone to attracting a major event and become sustainable over a three-year period.

The Major Events Fund is for those applicants applying for support for large events attracting significant out of state media. The events likely to fall within this category are major national or international world events, such as world championships, sporting events, high profile music events or unique cultural events.

The Minister continued: “Events such as the FIM Trial World Championships today are a perfect example of what can be achieved with partnership and co-operation. In 2003 and 2004, over 25,000 spectators enjoyed these trials and it is wonderful that the World Championship leg will once again take place in North Down. I am pleased that my Department has been able to award £40,000 to the FIM Trial World Championships under the Major Events Fund. With the right support, events like this can be highly successful and deliver a huge number of benefits to the region.

“This is the only UK-leg of the 2008 FIM SPEA Trial World Championship and promises to be a unique spectacle with competitors demonstrating a high level of skill and technique to wow the crowd.

“I congratulate North Down Council and the Light Weight Motorcycle Club for their work and commitment and for bringing the 2008 FIM Championship to Bangor.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Application forms along with guidance notes are available for download at the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure website.

2. Applications for funding under both streams must be received by no later that 5.00pm, Friday 2 May 2008.

3. Application forms and guidance notes may also be obtained by contacting the DCAL Events Unit team, via email: at eventsunit@dcalni.gov.uk or at the address below

4. A working group of senior officials within DCAL, DETI and NITB has been established to oversee the transfer of the events function to NITB at an appropriate time subject to both the Minister of Culture Arts and Leisure and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment being satisfied with the arrangements.

5. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.